The one fact we were certain of was being able to witness the amazing phenomenon of thousands of moving snow geese. How many of them would fall victim to our spread is always the guessing game in springtime snow goose searching.
The six hundred mile drive to Kansas for our yearly spring snow goose search was uneventful. Long period of time searching partner, Roger Lydeen as well as I reminisced regarding previous pursues, looked for migrating geese out the truck windows and also speculated about what this year’s hunt would bring.
I have actually been a passionate waterfowl hunter for more than 50 years as well as have actually participated in the spring snow goose quest every year given that the first days of the Conservation Order.
The one reality I have discovered time and again is that snow goose searching is an ever before advancing sport that takes comprehensive planning and also mindful implementation.
Because snow geese are hunted so intensely by waterfowl addicts, they have actually gotten exceptionally smart about the dangers of goose spreads. They may simply be birds, however they are not bird brains.
The very first significant modification in our techniques involves camouflage.
In my point of view, camouflage is possibly the single essential consider effective decoy capturing.
Geese have amazing vision as well as look at our spreads via binocular powered eyes. They truly see all wickedness connected with seeker concealment.
We don’t also pack format blinds any longer as we have actually relocated to ghillie matches and also whites for concealment options. The geometric synopsis of design blinds is frequently spotted by high flying birds that are looking right down right into your spread.
Whenever possible, we attempt to make use of several of the natural cover that is available. A ditch or unclean fencerow can function marvels in assisting separate the profile of hunters. Ghillie suits are suitable in these circumstances.
Whites appear to be the ideal option when cover is not obtainable. Get a black light to make sure your white camouflage is not beautiful with UV brighteners. Sprays can be put on help soften the raw UV illumination that is frequently related to untreated white camouflage.
Another consider outmaneuvering skeptical geese is the need for activity in the spread.
When there is a breeze, wind socks definitely add movement. Rotaries as well as Clone decoys are additionally really beneficial and also can include that movement even when the wind declines to blow.
Decoying birds will certainly set up on the activity of duplicates and also rotaries so seekers need to be put as necessary. It is crucial that seekers are mobile and also can conveniently choose up and relocate to where geese are establishing up if an uncommon strategy pattern is shown by the birds. This unplanned adjustment is easy to do when hunting in ghillie suits or whites.
One last thought is to maintain the decoys spread apart.
We have actually found out by hand that aggressively feeding birds like their area and do not stack up on top of each other. Decoys that are too firmly bunched will flare birds.
Snow goose hunting is an obstacle with some days much more challenging than others. It is additionally a thrill that I never tire of. Viewing the movement and also having birds function the spread is constantly worth the initiative as well as long drive.
